
Michael says the manager of the Pizza Express restaurant in Stert Street has just had the vegetation in the adjoining alley cleared up. Michael says It was awful.

Pizza Express reopened the Abingdon branch on August 6th with a physically distanced layout inside, and hand sanitisers.
Barton Fields in August

I walked round Barton Fields, cared for by the Abingdon Naturalists, today – a hot day in the middle of August. There was purple loosestrife growing in colonies round the ditch that runs near the Thames, and in wetland areas at the centre.

Bees and butterflies were attracted to the loosestrife and also the water mint growing on the wetlands. The smell of mint was refreshing on such a hot day.

Apples, and hips, hoars, and various berries are nearing maturity. Apples had fallen in some areas.

Blackberries are being harvested by people and birds.

The lower half of the fields, where bindweed tangles with other plants, is lush and green.

The upper half of the field has turned pale gold.

Despite the heat, runners and cyclists exercised along the cycle path along the top of the meadow.
Hoover Bags and Silhouettes

Today was another day of blue skies and summer heat. Hoover Bags have a prominent position at the Monday Market in Abingdon.

An ambulance had blocked a FedEx Lorry. Life-saving was making commerce wait – like during the lockdown.

This evening was warm and muggy. I went for a walk and became aware of the bright clouds and silhouettes as I passed the railings near Waitrose.

I started taking pictures of silhouettes – including this silhouetted tree without leaves in the Albert Park.

Another tree had an early autumnal look because of the heat.

It led me to my final silhouette down Spring Road by the cemetery.

The sky bloomed orange for some time after that.
Future of Vale of White Horse district survey – just 4 days to go

Vale of White Horse district councillors have put together a plan for the future of the district and they want you to let them know what you think of it.
The survey – launched in July – is a chance to have your say on the priorities for the council in the next few years. The survey will run until Thursday 13 August so a few days to go.
Councillors have identified six areas they need to focus on:
Theme 1: Providing the homes people need
Theme 2: Tackling the climate emergency
Theme 3: Building healthy communities
Theme 4: Building stable council finances
Theme 5: Working in partnership with other organisations
Theme 6: Working in an open and inclusive way
The Survey is at https://survey.southandvale.gov.uk/s/Valecorporateplanfeedback/
